Pixel 9a leaks keep coming, as plastic-backed phone caught on video

By Bryan M. Wolfe Published February 24, 2025

Google Pixel 9a Peony pink leaked image. — WinFuture

Over the weekend, a video leaked that showcased the upcoming Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge. Although the video was quickly removed, some viewers noticed that a Google Pixel 9a handset also appeared.

Images captured from the video (via Android Headlines) show a handset resembling earlier renders of the upcoming budget smartphone. However, there is an important distinction between the two leaks. While previous leaks (and renders) suggested that the new model might have a slightly more premium feel than its predecessors, the latest leak confirms that the device will utilize plastic again, similar to the Pixel 8a. It will most likely have a matte finish.

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This is not surprising, especially since the Pixel 8a costs $499, and we expect the Pixel 9a to have the same price.

Rumors indicate that the Pixel 9a will be equipped with a Google Tensor G4 chip, similar to the other devices in the Pixel 9 series. It is expected to feature 8GB of RAM and will be available in two storage options: 128GB and 256GB. Additionally, the phone is anticipated to include a 5,100mAh battery.

The Pixel 9a is expected to come in four color options: Porcelain, Obsidian, Peony, and Iris. Peony will likely be similar to the color found on the Pixel 9, while Iris is rumored to be a new shade with a blueish-purple hue.

Regarding display, the Pixel 9a may feature a slightly larger screen, measuring either 6.2 or 6.3 inches, while maintaining a refresh rate of 120Hz. The bezels may be somewhat thicker than those on the other Pixel 9 models.

The Pixel 9a is poised to be an exciting budget phone, and it will likely launch sooner rather than later. The rest of the Pixel 9 series was released last August two months earlier than the Pixel 8 series in 2023. As a result, we can expect the Pixel 9a to debut a little earlier than the Pixel 8a, which was launched in May. In other words, anticipate the arrival of the newest Pixel in just a few weeks.

Former Mobile and A/V Freelancer

Bryan M. Wolfe has over a decade of experience as a technology writer. He writes about mobile.

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Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold leak unravels old looks, and that’s okay

Google is still months away from the launch of fresh smartphone hardware in the Pixel 10 series. But it seems the company will focus more on internal refinements than aesthetic makeovers this year. Or at least that’s what it looks like from the recent string of leaks, which now include the next-gen Pixel foldable phone, as well.

The folks over at Android Headlines have shared what they claim to be product renders of the upcoming Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold. The leak doesn’t add any details about the internal hardware, but it notes that the device will be pricier than its predecessor.

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Here’s when you can buy the Google Pixel 9a

Alleged depiction of Google Pixel 9a.

After a tidal wave of rumors and leaks, the Google Pixel 9a saw an official announcement earlier this month — and now we know it will be available for purchase on April 10 in the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada. On April 14, the Pixel 9a will make its way to an additional 23 European countries, before finally arriving in India, Singapore, Taiwan, and Malaysia on April 16.

This midrange budget handset will start at $499 for the 128GB model, with a bump up to $599 for the 256GB model. It has a 6.3-inch display with a 120Hz refresh rate, paired with a maximum brightness of 2700 nits. That means you'll be able to use it in direct sunlight without worrying about visibility.

Mobile

Android 16 brings a blind fingerprint unlock perk to Pixel phones

Enabling off screen fingerprint unlock feature in Android 16.

Google is currently moving full steam ahead with the development of Android 16. Following the release of a third beta update just over a week ago, Android 16 has reached the platform stability milestone. Though the latest test build is light on feature updates, it brings a cool new trick.
On Pixel smartphones, users can now unlock their phone even if the screen is completely dark. First spotted by the folks over at Android Authority, the new “Screen-off Fingerprint Unlock” feature has been integrated within the phone’s Security & Privacy dashboard.
So far, Pixel smartphone users had to wake up the screen and put their thumb atop the fingerprint sensor icon on the Lock Screen. This had to be done either by waking up the screen with a tap gesture, or by pressing the power button.
Thanks to the new screen-off unlock convenience, users can simply place their thumb atop the in-display fingerprint sensor and get past the Lock Screen. There is no longer an intermittent hassle of lighting up the screen.

I was able to enable this feature after installing the Android 16 Beta 3.1 build, which runs atop the March 2025 security update, on a Pixel 8 smartphone. The new feature is a thoughtful convenience and works flawlessly.
It does, however, take a bit of muscle memory to land the thumb right above the fingerprint sensor on an otherwise dark screen. Also worth noting here is the fact that Google won’t be the first smartphone maker to offer this convenience.
I tried unlocking my OnePlus 13 and Samsung Galaxy S25 without waking up the screen, and it works just fine. Both devices are currently running Android 15, and notably, offer a faster fingerprint unlock experience compared to the Pixel 8, irrespective of whether the screen is on or off.
I’d like to point out that the screen-off fingerprint unlock system has arrived with a beta build, and Google might remove — or delay it — when the stable Android 16 update starts rolling out widely in the coming months.
For now, your only option to experience it is by enrolling in the Android 16 beta-testing program on a compatible Google Pixel smartphone. I would, however, recommend waiting out a few more weeks for the stable update to land on your Pixel smartphone, and save yourself the buggy mess of test builds.